Something Better (Ghost x Reader x Soap)

The Little Things

It has been two months since you joined the task force, and things couldn't be better. You've led a few more of the team's missions, and have gone out to celebrate with them after each one. You've grown closer with each member. Gaz has become like a sort of brother to you. The two of you would talk for hours about nonsense, teasing one another, playing small pranks on each other or on people around the base. Price had become a sort of mentor, like Laswell. He would constantly praise you for your resourcefulness, and give you tips and tricks and things to think about while planning. You always appreciated it.

And then, there was Soap and Ghost. You and Soap have become pretty good friends over the past couple months. He would always search for an opportunity to make you laugh or smile. He would ask you how work would be going, seeing if you needed anything. And then, Ghost. You two haven't really talked much since that night at the bar, just an occasional nod or smile in your case. You have been spending time with him though. He was always there, acting as Soap's shadow whenever the two of you hung out. You've seen the way they looked at each other, the lingering touches, the soft way they spoke to one another. It made you smile. You were glad the two soldiers had found someone to be with.

It was a Friday afternoon. You had made it as part of your routine to work out on Friday afternoons. You were in your room idly lifting a few weights you had managed to take from the gym. You would walk to your room after work, take off your shirt, and start lifting. You would also do the exercises your physical therapist taught you at the hospital to make sure your leg was getting the movement it needed to stay in shape. Your muscles have definitely improved over the past months, getting more defined. You would sometimes admire yourself in the mirror, proud of your work. Unfortunately, the weights you had... 'borrowed' weren't as efficient as they had been.

You huffed in frustration as you set the weight down on the floor. You were getting tired of using just the weights you had taken. You wanted a real workout. You sat on your bed, thinking. Maybe I could go to the gym for just a little bit... I'd have to wear a shirt though... You never liked to wear a shirt when you worked out. Your sweat would cause the fabric to stick uncomfortably to your skin. You thought for a bit longer.

"...Fuck it..." You finally mumble. You put on a random t-shirt and change into some sweatpants. You were going to get a real workout.

You went to leave your room, and hesitated at the door. You looked at your cane, which was leaning against the wall. You stare at it for a minute, before shaking your head. You wouldn't be needing it today, the gym wasn't a long walk. Besides, you didn't want to attract any weird looks. With that, you walked out your door, making sure it was locked behind you.

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You stood at the entrance of the gym, feeling apprehensive. It was pretty full today, dozens of soldiers working out on the various machines. You swallowed slightly. Alright. I can do this. You think, and step into the gym. You walk into the gym, trying your best to hide your limp. You're pleasantly surprised to see that no one pays you any mind. You're scanning the free machines, trying to decide what to go to, when you spot them.

Soap and Ghost are sitting side by side, lifting weights together, chatting. Ghost is dressed in a t-shirt, sweats, and just a face mask, allowing you to see his muscular arms, tattoo sleeve and messy blonde hair. Soap though, has decided to go shirtless. You stand there a moment, heat rising to your cheeks as you admire their statures. Man... The amount of work they must've put in for their physiques... You think. Suddenly, you lock eyes with Soap. A bright grin spreads across his face.

"Oi! Y/N! How're ye doin, mate?" He yells across the gym. You wince slightly at the looks you two receive for the noise, and quickly make your way over to them. Soap puts down his weights and stands up as you approach, giving you a hearty pat on the shoulder, a habit he's made over the past two months. He glances over you, eyes widening slightly upon seeing your arms. Damn, didn't know they were so ripped... He thinks. You're usually wearing a long sleeved shirt or a jacket when he sees you, so he's never gotten the chance to see your arms.